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Magic: The Gathering fans frequently enjoy tribe-based strategies — who has not assembled a zombie strategy before? — and this new Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover set brings back two popular examples which match seamlessly with the setting.

Returning Tribal Mechanics

The first ability, called "Allies," was debuted with a Zendikar set which provides bonuses each time additional permanents with the Ally type come onto the battlefield.

Meanwhile, "Shrine" represents another enchantment type which first appeared in Kamigawa. While not a creature tribal theme, Shrines likewise gain abilities when you controls more of them on the battlefield.

A Comeback for the Ally Ability

Although Shrine cards have been shown up here and there in newer sets, Allies subtype has been far less common — but this changes in Avatar: The Last Airbender, in which this mechanic is prominently used.

The protagonist Aang has to recruit a lot of allies on the journey to restore peace to the four nations, so it's no better method to reflect this in an Magic: The Gathering expansion.

Exclusive Card Preview

After its initial set announcement, below are previews of one Allies plus a Shrine cards in the new Avatar: The Last Airbender release.

Teo: A Fan-Favorite Character

This character stands as a beloved minor character from ATLA, a young man from Earth Kingdom that resided at an Air Temple after his village was ruined in a disaster, an event that rendered him paraplegic.

Thanks to his father's expertise in mechanics, he can soar through the skies with his glider, even challenges Aang to an aerial contest.

The card Teo showcases Teo's fondness of the skies along with the Earth Tribe's use on gliders by letting the player loot whenever a player attacks with an airborne creature, while additionally strengthening your team with +1/+1 counters at the same time.

The Temple Card: A Powerful Shrine Enchantment

Speaking of his dwelling, it is represented as a card named Northern Air Temple, which reduces your opponent's life total upon coming into play, depending on how many Shrine cards you have.

The card furthermore removes one more life whenever another Shrine enters the field.

This looks like an impactful addition, given its cheap mana cost plus good enter the battlefield ability.

One major weakness for Shrine strategies outside of EDH are that Shrines are typically Legendary, however Northern Air Temple can be effective when paired alongside another Shrine, which deals damage to all opponents during the start of your main phase.

The Timely Crossover

At a time when Universes Beyond sets have been garnering significant backlash by the community, an iconic series like Avatar could be precisely what MTG requires.

Spoiler season is already here, with all cards will be launched November 21st.